As reported by Tien Phong Newspaper, there are currently hundreds of informal residential areas on agricultural land in Ho Chi Minh City. Residents live in unnumbered houses within these self-built communities, conducting property transactions using notarized documents.
The northern part of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Binh Duong) has the highest concentration of these informal settlements. Specifically, the former Tan Uyen City has over 90 areas, the former Ben Cat City has approximately 50, and the former Di An City leads with 362 areas.
An informal housing area in An Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, built years ago. This site is under evaluation for potential renovation and preservation if it aligns with urban planning.
Local authorities have intervened, demolishing and renovating approximately 50 informal housing areas. Residents in the remaining unnumbered homes live in uncertainty and anxiety.
In addition to demolitions, authorities have addressed planning compliance for some areas, allowing them to remain and providing residents with stability. For instance, in the former Di An City, 21 areas have completed infrastructure upgrades, and 15 areas have issued 567 land-use certificates.
An informal housing area in Tan Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture announced that the former Binh Duong Province had developed a plan to renovate and upgrade essential infrastructure in urban and rural residential areas by 2030, aiming to enhance residents’ quality of life.
Urban renovation, particularly in informally subdivided areas, is crucial for building a modern, sustainable city. The plan includes two key components: renovating informal housing areas and upgrading alleyways to ensure essential infrastructure. Funding will involve both government and community contributions to meet basic infrastructure needs.
In 2017, the former Binh Duong Province issued guidelines for handling unauthorized constructions predating January 2014, allowing residents to legalize and renovate structures in compliance with planning. However, this only applies to areas aligned with approved land-use or functional zoning plans.
Unauthorized constructions in non-compliant areas face demolition. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction advises against building in unpermitted areas to avoid property loss and legal consequences.
A long-standing informal housing area in Tan Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment has directed 36 wards in the former Binh Duong Province to urgently inspect all land subdivision and illegal foundation sales. Results must be reported by December 31, 2025, to address ongoing unauthorized development.
Signboards at informal housing areas in Tan Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City:
43-Unit Residential Area
42/4 Residential Area
99-Unit Residential Area
Thanh Binh Residential Area
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